A lesson for Barça to learn at the World Cup in Russia
The role of Lionel Messi at this World Cup is a warning to Barcelona that the Argentina star offers a lot less when he isn't surrounded by elite level players. With Acuña, Enzo Perez and Mascherano, Messi is incapable of creating a miracle while he's surrounded by players who don't even come close to his lofty standards. Pep Guardiola even said this a long time ago: "We hope Leo doesn't get bored and that the club surrounds him with adequate players so that he feels comfortable. When he plays badly it's because those around him aren't working properly." He also realised quite quickly that Mascherano couldn't play in midfield if he was in the same team as Messi.
Barcelona should be trying to learn as much as they can from Messi's performances at this World Cup and see it as a lesson of what not to do. Now that Xavi and Iniesta aren't there, Messi needs new teammates in Barcelona's midfield which allows him to achieve what he hasn't been able to with Argentina: win titles and prizes. Barcelona's need to reinforce the midfield is plain as day. You can't build a team with the current midfielders at the club, you need the best. The reports from Brazil on Arthur are really good although it's significant that he isn't involved at this summer's tournament. Arthur will be the first to come in as Barcelona remodel their midfield. Andre Gomes will follow Iniesta out of the door while Paulinho, Rakitic and Busquets will all be in their thirties come the start of next season. More will come.
Barcelona need to respond because, amongst other things, they've allowed potential stars to slip through their grasp. They sold Thiago and players such as Asensio, Isco and Saul are all in Spain's capital instead. Madrid have continued to sweep up all the best young Spanish talents around, ones which could fit easily into Barcelona's play style, so now the club needs to look abroad for solutions. Spain's midfield used to be made up completely by Barcelona players. Right now the only Barcelona representative in the current midfield, Iniesta, is facing calls to be dropped.
